Description

If it's race day and the rain is coming down in buckets, you obviously need to stay dry to win. Instead of throwing on a flappy jacket, gain an advantage over the pack with the Castelli Gabba WS Long Sleeve Jersey. The Gabba WS jersey was designed hand-in-hand with the Cervelo Test Team and the Garmin-Barracuda cycling team to create an edge against the brutal weather of the spring classics. The Gabba WS fits and feels like an aero jersey, but with all of the weather protection of a rain jacket.

The Castelli Men's Gabba WS Jersey is a rain-specific version of the Castelli Aero Race Jersey. In the development stage, Castelli knew that no material existed to meet Cervelo Test Team's demands for a rainproof race jersey, so a partnership was formed with W.L. Gore to create the new WindStopper X-Lite Plus fabric. The new four-way stretch fabric allowed the construction of the form-fitting, windproof, and breathable rainproof jersey that we have today. For further rain protection, Castelli included a storm flap off the rear jersey panel to protect you from wheel spray, and the three rear pockets feature eyelets for water drainage. To add extra comfort, Nanoflex inserts under the arms and zippered chest vents allow controlled temperature regulation and a better fit. Castelli finished off the Gabba with a silicone gripper at the waistband to control jersey creep and rear reflective tabs for enhanced visibility in gloomy conditions. The end result of all this innovation is a jersey that Roger Hammond calls the best jersey he's ever worn. You can't go wrong with that.

The Castelli Gabba WS Long Sleeve Jersey is available in six sizes from Small to XXX-Large and in colors Black/reflective silver and Yellow Fluorescent/reflective silver.

Here's what others have to say...

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Single Favorite Jersey

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

I love this piece! First, the sleeves are plenty long for my arms. Wish more companies had similarly longer sleeves. The fabric has a bit of thickness/heft to it, and when you ride, it does not flap around, BUT, the jacket conforms to your body. Also, it has a flap that is basically a drip edge for your rear - useful in the rain. Venting zippers, nice cut....a super jacket. I'm guessing with a base layer under it, you could go down to 40F or less here in (damp, wet) New England. Yes, it is expensive. I hope Castelli expands this line of clothing, I'm sold. I am 5'11", 155lbs, long arms and the L fits great.

Comment on Mike B's review:

Fits tight

Gender:
Male

Familiarity:
I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Just got it in the mail today and quality is top notch Castelli. I haven't had a chance to take it in the rain yet (unfortunately?) but the fit feels perfect. That being said I did have to size up. I'm 5'10 @ 158lbs and I had to get a Large. I usually wear a medium everything, t-shirts, jerseys, ect and I am very happy that I got the Large. It's still a tight fit, but is what I would expect. Chest is about 38.5. The yellow looks much better in person. Typical neon green and the red castilli logo looks great. Grab it up if you spot a good deal while you can.

Comment on Jonathan's review:

Amazing!

Familiarity:
I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Fit:
Runs small

I'm not one to typically write reviews, but read them and bought this jersey based on the positive feedback. I am absolutely in love with this jersey! Did a very cool 44 deg. Sunday morning ride a tighty-whitey t-shirt base layer. This aero Gabba kept me toasty, and I even had to unzip the nicely located abdominal vents to dump heat.

Comment on Joe C.'s review:

Excellent!

I will preface this by saying that I am not a big fan of Castelli clothing in general. That being said, the Gabba is a super piece for training gear. With a base layer, it works down to at least 40 degrees. Good race fit (I'm 5'11", 40 chest,32 waist, Size L). It's waterproof enough for me. I also own the short sleeved version in black. Reasonable price for what you get.

Have an answer for kijun ethan sung?

From the reviews it is hard to tell how "warm" these are. If truly "warm" I could see the L/S having a role, but if not the short sleeve with warmers would be nice provided that one would want to wear the SS by itself on a training ride.....

Have an answer for ricp1097043?

Love it!

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

Fit:
True to size

I'm 6'2" and weigh about 190 lbs. The XL fits me perfectly. I wore the black one over two rainy Seattle winters ago and i liked it so much that i bought the yellow fluorescence one as well. On near freezing days, so i need to do is the wear this with one base layer and that would keep me sufficiently warm. The Gabba jersey is not completely waterproof and eventually it will get wet but if you have a base layer, you should be ok.

Comment on Changren Yong's review:

My favorite foul-weather piece

Gender:
Male

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

Outstanding quality and amazing versatility. Superior wind and water protection. It isn't waterproof but it will keep you dry in all but a downpour. The cut is fantastic - no flapping in the wind but enough room to layer up, the extra long tail keeps you covered in the drops, and the neck is snug enough to keep the wind out but doesn't choke. Vents extremely well thanks to the 2 large side zips. I like the reflective striping on the back and the drain holes in the rear pockets. I've worn it in the 50s with a light base layer, all the way down to the low 30s with a UA thermal mock turtle neck or IceBreaker merino wool layer. Highly recommend. 5'11, 160lbs, 38.5" chest, 30" waist. SIZE L fits me perfectly.

I got the replacement size and tried it today. It was 10�C (that's 50�F to US folks) and a fairly good shower. I'm impressed, I felt comfortable all ride long, no overheat, not cold and dry. I had just a base layer underneath it. So farr it's just what I've been looking for for a long time.

Just a great jersey/jacket

I have the version of this when it was called the Aero Rain Jacket, same thing as Gabba except it was before they added the front zips.

The windproof-yet-breathable capability of this thing is astounding. Just perfect in 30 to 40 degree temps with a base layer or two, and you stay aero. I can really feel the difference between wearing this and a fuller fitting jersey or jacket. With aero wheels I usually have to talk myself into perceiving their advantage, not with this thing, the advantage is front and center.

A word on sizing which seems to be concerning or confusing some people. Forget about whether to "size up", or how tall you are, or your weight or waist size. Just take your chest measurement and use the Castelli sizing chart, you'll get a perfect fit, couldn't be easier (I've found that true for just using waist size for their bibs as well).

The most brilliant piece of cycling equipment I own.

**Update 8/2014** I liked this jacket/jersey (Aero Rain Jacket version) that I bought a Gabba SS jersey, large. Couple observations: while the LS Aero Rain Jacket is cut perfectly for me from top to bottom the Gabba SS jersey has more room around the waist while still being just right in the chest, it puckers a bit so not the perfect aero fit of the LS jersey. My Aero Rain Jacket also does not suffer from baggy arms as some reviewers here have noted for the Gabba LS. So it seems the Aero Rain is a slightly different product from a fit perspective, those looking for a the most form fitting version of this technology might consider it instead of the Gabba. Or perhaps the new Gabba version has slimmed down a bit from V.1.

Comment on Ken's review:

Race Worthy

Comment on Collin S's photo:

Works for a wide range of temps

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

Fit:
Runs small

I've ridden this from 50 degrees and pouring rain down to the mid teens. Some reviews claim that this is near waterproof, however, it really isn't. When you first start riding in the rain, the water quickly beads off, however after 10 minutes or so, it starts to soak into the fabric. That being said, it is still way better then being cold and wet with a more standard jersey, or hot and steaming with a PVC rain cape. After one 3 hour ride in pretty nasty wet conditions (upper 40's), my inside jersey was pretty wet, however, I was still warm/comfortable.

As for what it is, its not really a jersey, as its more of a jacket. Where it really shines is for wind resistance. It really cuts the wind keeping you warm, however, it really does breath unlike my older "Tech" coat from 3 years ago which would leave me clammy after anything over 1 hour of hard riding.

In the winter, this jersey/thing is great for layering. For my mid teens (wind chills in the 0-neg 10 range) 2 hour ride, I rode a Helly Hanson Warm base layer (also a great piece of gear) a thin roubaix fleece lined LS jersey and this, and was content. When I finished, feeling all the layers, everything worked. Stayed dry and warm.

Now the fit: its race cut. This is exactly what I was looking for. I wanted a coat that I could actually race in and not be worried about being a parachute. I'm 150 lbs, wear mediums in most bike tops, smalls in most bike jackets, S and XS in most consumer cloths. I bought a medium and it fits pretty much as advertised. Almost tight, yet its flexible enough where you don't feel cramped. I've actually raced probably 10+ late fall races in this jacket and never felt over or under dressed.

I did a lot of reading before I spent the cash on this jacket, but in the end, I'm glad I did. I really like this jersey and ride it all the time.

Comment on Collin S's review:

Gabba Jersey, What You Need To Know

Comment on Cameron's video:

Best jacket I've owned to date!

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

I absolutely love this jacket! Totally windproof yet breathable. The side vents help when the temperature rises during a climb or a long ride that started out chilly. Note that it's a windproof shell so you may still need some layers underneath (I assume it's great in the rain too but I've been blessed so far not to know yet). If I'm riding at 5C (40F) or less, I'll usually wear two base layers and a short sleeve jersey under it. It's light, the arms are longer than what you typically get on a long sleeve garment (great for me since I have long arms) and there are 3 deep pockets on the back. I usually wear a medium-sized Castelli jersey but found I needed a large size in this jacket. My chest is 38in. Still has a nice and snug/aero race fit (i.e. no loose fabric flapping around in the wind).

Comment on sc@p665154's review:

Awesome

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

Fit:
Runs small

Have been riding this jersey here in the PNW for the last few weeks. Temps have ranged from high 20's to mid 40's with some rain/sleet in the mix. Jersey has been great in all conditions, though I am using a mid-weight merino base layer. Only complaint is the arms are cut a bit big considering how well fitted the body is (and how slim cyclists arms can be). I did size up due to recommendations, and feel it was necessary. Still a great buy, definitely one of my favorite pieces of kit.

Comment on JS's review:

Gabba Long Sleeve

Gender:
Male

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

Fit:
True to size

Great jersey. Definitely wind proof and keeps me warm, but only water proof to an extent. If its heavy and consistent rain the jersey will eventually become fully soaked. But it will dry very quickly after.

I'm 25 and weigh 180lbs. Lean athletic build, and 5'11'' height. The medium is a perfect for me with a comfortable aero fit, as castelli truly intends. People who think its necessary to "size up" are probably overweight or a recreational rider, which I am neither of. The gabba jersey is true to the sizing charts for a typical race fit.

4 stars because the sleeves become just slightly loose fitting from the elbows to wrist. Nothing drastic, just not consistent with the great fit elsewhere.

Hi. I'm not sure if these are unisex or cut for men. For what it's worth... I'm 37" chest, 30" waist, 5'9". I have this in size S and usually wear it with a thin baselayer. It is quite snug and on the verge of compression, just the way I like it. With your dimensions, I'd definitely go for a S.

I prefer road clothes for trail riding too, and in this I would recommend going with a size Medium, depending on what your chest size is as well (listed in the size chart at "jersey". Measure that chest and reference the size chart, but I would go with a Medium- you could wear a base layer underneath and it won't be too loose.

Thanks Carver, but really that small (medium)? I am quite skinny, and wear an XXL in Santini jerseys for example. I'm concerned about length abdominally and also for arms. Seems like a Medium would be too small based on what I've read about Castelli sizing....

I am 6"3, 185 pounds. 34" waist and have 37" long monkey arms. I would absolutely go with the extra large. Castelli always runs about one size too small. The XL is a perfect tight but not too tight fit with great coverage in the back.